he pupils enjoyed their morning exploring animals. They held and felt a variety of animals, such as a tarantula spider, lizards, snakes, and many others.

This half term Lynx have been learning about electricity in Science.
The last few weeks they have been learning about the parts of a circuit and how to make a working circuit.
This week we were looking at conductors and insulators (ask your children for the meaning/signs – you can also find the signs on Scottish Sensory Centre BSL Glossary). They have investigated different materials to see which are conductors and which are insulators.

This week for Science week Lynx class had the opportunity to meet different animals.
They shared their previous scientific knowledge about the different group names of animals (amphibian, reptile etc) and were able to discuss vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

https://www.worldbookday.com/books-and-tokens/book-token/digital-tokens/

We understand that some children have been saying that ‘football is banned’ at Heathlands and so it’s important to clarify this.

Football is not banned, it is played daily in break times for KS3 and 4 and LS pupils have access to the after school football club, kindly run by two parents. Football skills also form part of the PE curriculum on a rotation basis, and for years 4-6 we bring in a specialist PE coach on Friday afternoons.

At KS2 we don’t currently encourage children to play football at break times, but they have the following opportunities:
Go karts
Scooters
Climbing frames x2
Bucket swing
Bats and small balls
Skipping ropes
Basketball pole
Mud kitchen
Beautiful grounds
Games markings on the playground
Variety of small play equipment.

Since encouraging other activities at playtime, other than football, we have seen a significant increase in pupil engagement for learning after breaks and a decrease in issues needing to be sorted out before learning can begin, which is why we have continued with the provision we have.

We are open to football happening for some break times should it be requested by pupils in an appropriate manner, and if there is no return to the previous issues. This will continue to be reviewed going forward.

In June we will be having OPAL (Outdoor Play And Learning) coming to audit our provision and to draw up an action plan to improve play times. This will be an extensive piece of work and the working group will include staff, governors and parents.

We are committed to play times being safe, happy and enjoyable for all pupils so that pupils return to the classroom after their breaks able to focus and learn to the best of their ability.

Please if you have any further questions, do contact the school.